Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 8.djvu/48

 40 T. W* DAVENPORT. five days before he bought the horse at a livery stable in The Dalles, where he had seen him on his way down ten days previously, and he had no doubt as to the livery man's title. In answer to this I called the sutler to tell what he knew of the matter. After inspecting the horse carefully, Mr. Flippin said he had known the horse for more than two years, had ridden him several times, and until recently he had been in the possession of Yuck-a-lux. That some three or four weeks ago the latter came to the store and reported that his brown horse could not be found on the range where he was foaled and raised and probably he had been stolen. He knew that Yuck-a-lux had hunted for the horse several days since, a very idiotic proceeding if the horse had been sold with his knowledge and consent. Dr. Roland and the superintendent of farming testified similarly. The merchant made no objec- tion to the proof but was far from being pleased. After a moment's silence he said, "Ask the d d Indian if he will let me have the horse to ride home." I replied, ' ' Here is the interpreter at your service, ask him yourself; and as a matter of policy let me suggest that you leave out the word 'd d' : All eyes were turned upon Yuck- a-lux as the interpreter put the question, and after what had passed no one expected the request would be granted, and consequently listened for the discreet answer "way-toh," no. What he did answer was a complete surprise to all of us, and to the merchant a mild rebuke which he would never forget and never recall without being impressed with the personality of an Indian who was both humane and sagacious. Yuck-a-lux, after a short pause, during which he seemed to be engaged in self communion, very deliberately answered, "No, but I wilj let him have another one." Mr. Flippin was so much elated with the answer that he cried out, "Bully for Yuck-a-lux," a phrase used often there- after as a morning salutation. "How loner will it take to bring the other horse?" asked the merchant. "Half an hour," responded the Indian.